Scarsdale Village Historian Jordan Copeland explores the far-sighted decisions, community institutions, and unusual circumstances that transformed Scarsdale from a sparsely populated farming area to a prominent, sought-after suburb.
Originally presented on November 29, 2023 at an event by the Scarsdale Historical Society and sponsored by the Scarsdale Library.
Watch now at here.
Discover the origins of the Heathcote neighborhood and the abandoned remains of the New York, Westchester & Boston Railway (NYW&B) that had stations throughout Westchester including one at Five Corners in Scarsdale. Topping takes viewers inside iconic buildings at Five Corners, Scarsdale Congregational Church, Heathcote School and more. Featuring local historians and residents including Randy Guggenheimer, Jordan Copeland, Leslie Chang, Michael Zeller, Eliot Goldfinger and others. Produced by the Scarsdale Historical Society, directed and edited by Lesley Topping. A video of the Q&A that took place after the film premiered is here.
The “Heathcote’s Forgotten Railway” exhibit features archival photographs and artifacts from the New York, Westchester, & Boston Railway (NYW&B) that stopped in Heathcote from 1912 to 1937. It traces the spectacular rise and slow demise of the railway with particular attention to its roots in Scarsdale. Scarsdale Historical Society member Michael Zeller has loaned pieces from his collection for the exhibit. It will be on view at the Scarsdale Public Library in the Local History Center through the end of December 2023.
This exhibit coincides with our new documentary, The Road to Heathcote and the Forgotten Railway.
Artifacts include a model NYW&B train, maps, original Heathcote Station tickets and even a conductor’s jacket button.
Join us for the premiere of our newest film, The Road to Heathcote and the Forgotten Railway. It explores the unusual origins of the Heathcote neighborhood and tours the last vestiges of Westchester’s ‘Million Dollar A Mile Railroad’ that made stops at the Heathcote Train Station at Five Corners from 1912 to 1937.
Film Premiere of The Road to Heathcote and the Forgotten Railway
Wednesday, November 1st
Two screenings at 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Scarsdale Public Library
Q&A Session to Follow
RSVP is requested. Admission is free. There will be a Q&A panel with local historians, filmmakers, residents and railroad enthusiasts.
This half hour documentary is directed and edited by local filmmaker, Lesley Topping. The event is co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Historical Society and the Scarsdale Public Library.
Other Films
This film is part of an ongoing series from the Scarsdale Historical Society on the history and neighborhoods of Scarsdale. All the previous films can be viewed here.
In 1949, a small group of Scarsdale residents, known as the Committee of Ten, began attending school board meetings and requesting the removal of certain books from the High School library. They argued that these books were subversive and were examples of Communist infiltration in the schools. They soon began targeting individuals who had been invited to speak or perform for students or teachers. The controversy gained national attention as part of a wave of McCarthyism affecting public schools, and only faded in 1954 when McCarthy himself was censured by Congress. The parallels between the Battle of the Books of the 1950s and issues of censorship in public schools today are striking, and provide a new perspective on our current issues.
On display in the Quiet Reading Room and Local History Center at the Scarsdale Public Library in September and October 2023.
The Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters and the Town of Greenburgh are hosting Colonial Day in Hart’s Brook Park & Preserve.
Come see what life was like during the 1781 Encampment of American and French troops in Greenburgh!
Tour Washington’s Revolutionary War Tents & Encampment, guided by historic interpreters from Philadelphia’s acclaimed Museum of the American Revolution.
Meet George Washington, Le Comte de Rochambeau, and Ben Franklin.
See military marching and drills by re-enactors of the 5th New York Regiment and Hearts of Oak.
Toys, games, and activities for kids; demonstrations of Colonial cooking, wool spinning, blacksmithing, and more!
Learn about the role Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters played in the encampment and how this historic site is being restored.
242 years ago, in the summer of 1781, the Continental Army under the command of George Washington and the French Army under the command of Le Comte de Rochambeau, marched into Greenburgh with 9,000 soldiers and camped for six weeks. Rochambeau stayed at the Odell House and it was there that the two generals made a crucial decision that resulted in the final victory that won the Revolutionary War.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
Rain Date: Sunday, October 1, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
Admission is $10 for ages 13+; $5 for ages 3-12 and active service members/veterans (with ID). Children under 3 are free.
Pay when you park with cash, check or Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. No electronic payments.
Hart’s Brook Park & Preserve, 156 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, N.Y.
Parking at Ridge Road Park, 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, N.Y. Free shuttle bus service to the nearby event. Handicap parking available at the Hart’s Brook Park site.
This event is brought to you by Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters and the Town of Greenburgh. It is part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble, an event series that celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley.
Funding provided by Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Town of Greenburgh and Westchester County.
Dedicated to discovering, preserving and disseminating the rich history of Scarsdale and our neighboring communities.
Copyright © 2024 by the Scarsdale Historical Society
Powered by Squarespace
